Conventions governing polymers' names revised

Poly(methyl methacrylate), also known as acrylic or acrylic glass is a transparent thermoplastic often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass.

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Polymer nomenclature based on structure of repeating unit aims to iron out inconsistencies

Polybutylene – a common polymer used in flexible pipes and packaging – should be called poly(1-ethylethylene) from now on, according to a range of recommendations made by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (Iupac).